by Jackie Dana
So it really was the apothecary?
“There is much to discuss, child, and no safer place to do so,” he explained, and over his shoulder waved for her to sit on a stool by the fire. He reached into a closed cabinet and pulled out several items, and then spun around with a tall bottle and a pair of narrow glasses on a glysar tray, which he brought to a small table beside her. He poured a fair measure of liquid into each of the glasses, and as he handed her one, he allowed his fingers to brush against hers. As they touched, immediately her initial fear dissipated, but from the physical contact she also somehow realized he was not as decrepit as she first thought.
She sat quietly for a moment, allowing the firelight to sparkle within the crystal. It was the first use of glass she had seen in the keep, and that alone piqued her curiosity. And the wine was a beautiful rose color.
He gestured for her to take a sip, as he did so himself.
She tasted a little on her tongue, and realized what it was. “Arbishi.”
“You’ve had it before?”
She nodded. “Sarnoc Vaj served it at Altopon,” she explained, and only after she spoke the words did she realize this was the first she had mentioned her trip there since returning to the keep.
“Indeed. Perhaps this will be an equally special occasion.”
Eyeing him warily, she lowered her glass. “How so?”
“I had hoped to meet you for a while, but never had there been an opportunity to do so unobserved and in private before now. However, it seems that the timing has worked to our benefit.” He was gazing at her with an intensity that she didn’t expect. “I believe we have much to discuss.”
“I’m sorry, but I don’t understand. Why would you want to meet me?”
“Child, ever since your arrival, my colleagues have spoken incessantly about the event, and pondered its significance for all of Sarducia. We believe that it is a sign that we are again in the gods’ favor, and you are here to help us restore a balance that has been missing for quite some time.”
“We?” She glanced around the room. “Who are these ‘colleagues’?” She half expected him to tell her he spoke to mice.
He didn’t answer right away, but instead watched her closely, in a way that was oddly familiar. Finally he said, in a low, confident voice, “child, would it surprise you to learn that I am Sarnoc?”
She stared at the disheveled man as he took another sip of the liqueur. The Sarnoc were banned from the city—so how could he be here, in the keep, right out in the open? She thought about Sarnoc Vaj, and realized how different he was from Torv. It seemed highly improbable that this man was anything like what he suggested. “What? That’s impossible...”
“You expected me to be wearing a white tunic, a long braid, and a glysar ring?”
“Well, no—yes—well, to be honest, I don’t really know.” Her time at Altopon was too brief to understand what the Sarnoc were all about, but still, it didn’t seem to fit.
He nodded, and walked to one of the shelves where dozens of items had been crammed together. He reached for a soot-smeared wooden jar and carried it back to the fire. A quick twist revealed a small compartment under the main one. And from inside, he produced a glysar band engraved with unfamiliar designs.
“You are new to our lands, but this may help convince you all the same.” He reached out for her right hand placed the ring within her palm. “You feel it, do you not? The energy within the ring?”
She allowed her fingers to curl over the band, and closed her eyes. There was an ever-so-slight vibration to the ring itself, but even more, she had a sudden rush of images, memories, faces, so intense that she dropped the ring in surprise.
“Aye, so you do.” He bent down to retrieve the ring from the floor and placed it back in its hiding place.
Even with the ring, she wasn’t convinced. “I’m still not sure I understand. Why are you down here, then, if you’re Sarnoc? From what I understand, the Sarnoc were banned from the city years ago.”
“Aye, that is true enough. Bedoric thought if he forced us all to leave, no one would be left to challenge his reign. Loraden has been my home for a long time, though, and it was not so easy to run me off. You see, child, many years ago, likely before you were even born, I was appointed to the Council, and served Vosira Parmon for a long time. When Bedoric became Vosira and then forced the Sarnoc to leave Loraden, I refused to give up my post, forcing them to accuse me of a terrible crime so I’d have to flee.” His eyes sparkled, the memories appearing to be more amusing than painful. “Perhaps it was me acting out of spite, but I was determined to stay here and keep an eye on things.”
She noticed how he had referred to the Vosira without his title, which was odd enough as it was, but it was his reference to his former position that made her gasp. She remembered how Fantion had been outlawed after standing up for a Sarnoc, and if Rynar could be believed, this was the same person Arric had sought in Bhoren. “Are you telling me that you’re Sarnoc Sofinar?” It hardly seemed possible.
His eyes blinked at her pronouncement of his name. “Aye, so you’ve heard of me, then. That saves us some time. Indeed, that was once my name, but I had to abandon it, and all of the trappings of a Sarnoc, out of self-preservation. Now I am known as Torv. Contrary to Bedoric’s demands, I have survived, and do my best to serve the goddess. Indeed, with each passing season, my faith in Kerthal grows stronger.”
This man’s revelation did not bring her comfort, however, if that had been his intention. “Arric—I mean, the Dosedra—went to Bhoren to find you, but was told you had died.”
His gnarled hand rubbed the back of his neck, and then he looked back at her with his grey eyes, clear and focused. “Aye, none of that has escaped my notice. Child, I was born in Bhoren. My father’s younger brother runs the town’s inn, and after my banishment from Loraden and Altopon, I did my best to make my enemies believe I had returned home. As Arric’s mentor and friend for many years, I’m touched that he went looking for me. Had I known he had intended such a journey, I would have saved him all that trouble.” Her frustration must have been obvious, for he continued. “Do not fret, child. Arric’s journey was not in vain.”
“You say that, but he’s a prisoner now because of it.”
“Aye, that much is true. For the moment, let’s set aside talk of Arric, and instead, would you do me the honor of telling me what happened yesterday? The whole story, not what Bedoric was convinced to believe.”
Her eyes widened. “You know about it?”
He nodded once. “I know that the Aldrish received a mysterious message that sent him deep into Loraden city, and that the Pasadhi arranged for a fog to settle over the city, so that you could be captured by those who wished to help their friend. After that, I do not know anything other than that you succeeded, as the boy is no longer a prisoner, and you have returned to the keep safely.”
“Oh my god, was it a Sarnoc plan?”
“It was mine,” he said simply. “I knew the boy many years ago, and I know he is not guilty of the crime he was accused of committing. I did not wish to see an injustice carried through to its conclusion. Now, tell me what I don’t already know, if you don’t mind.”
Slowly, she recounted the events of the day from the moment Rynar received the note, describing the attack, her argument with Fantion and the others, and her return to the keep. She had kept her composure throughout, until she got to the part where she failed to convince the Vosira to accept the trade and he threw her into the dungeon cell with Nyvas.
“I really thought I was about to die. And while I was freaking out, Nyvas bravely faced it as if it wasn’t a big deal.”
“Have you ever faced death before, my child?”
“No, not like that, not really believing it was going to happen, and waiting for it. I was so scared. In some ways, I still am.”
He nodded. “That is entirely normal, and I’m afraid to tell you that you will be haunted by it for some time to come. There’s nothing I can
offer you to soothe that wound, other than to encourage you to draw strength from the experience.”
Leaning forward, he refilled her glass. When she shook her head, realizing it was rather early for alcohol, he placed his hand on hers. “Please, indulge me.”
With a smile, she took another sip, and he continued. “As for the boy, as you may have heard, he nearly died eight years ago, when he was first captured, and who knows how many times he’s faced danger again since that day. He’s had plenty of time to come to terms with his mortality. You, on the other hand, have lived a much different life. It is nothing to be ashamed of, it is simply what it is.”
“But—”
“Do not hold yourself as less worthy just because you knew the fear of death. Now, tell me what happened after that.”
She licked a drop of arbishi from her bottom lip and then explained how they had returned to the house, with Nyvas near death.
He seemed unimpressed by her description of Rynar’s attempt to heal Nyvas, but then he asked, “you did something too, at the end?”
“How did you know?”
“When energies are expended in the lines between the worlds, and between life and death itself, there is a ripple effect. Anyone trained to sense them would have known.”
“I don’t know what I did, but it seemed to help.”
He nodded. “It’s your calling, my child. You are finally discovering the power within your Mosumi heritage.”
“What are you talking about?” She said it as a protest, but even as the words came out of her mouth, she knew it was true.
“You didn’t know?”
“No.” Her mind raced. Her mother, the ring. “I had no idea, but to hear you say it… it makes sense.”
“Aye. You are very intuitive, and you’ve long known you were different. As time goes on, you’ll learn more about what it means. For now, though, would you finish your tale? After you aided in Nyvas’s healing, you returned to the keep rather than remain with him, and your other friends?”
She interpreted that as a criticism. “I had to. Arric’s still here, and someone has to help him. I figured if I could return, maybe I could find a way to get him released. I hoped Rynar would help me, since he keeps telling me it’s not his idea to keep Arric locked up, but I know he’s lying.”
“Indeed? How so?”
She repeated what Fantion and Lysander had told her. “I had hoped I could change his mind, so he could convince the Vosira to release Arric, but after everything that happened yesterday, he’s worried about his own standing with the Vosira, so I don’t think he’s going to do anything. He was my last hope, too, so I’m not sure what else to do.”
As she dropped her gaze, he reached for her hand. “Do not despair. There’s always something you haven’t tried yet.”
His words triggered a memory. “Wait, I do have an idea.” She pulled out the ring that hung on a chain around her neck. “Arric asked me to hold this for him, and told me to give this to the Sarnoc if anything happened to him.” She pulled the chain over her head to remove it, and then extended it out to him.
He reached out for the ring, and whistled as he examined it. “Arric gave this to you?”
“Yes. Do you know what it is?”
“Oh, aye. Do you?”
She shook her head. “He didn’t tell me anything about it, other than to keep it hidden. What’s so special about it?”
He folded his lips tightly as he considered her question. “Nay, it cannot be as easy as that, I’m afraid. If he gave this to you, but told you nothing about it, then it is not my place to do so. What I can tell you is that it’s very important.”
“That’s all? It can’t help him?”
“Not in the way you wish, I’m afraid.”
Kate sunk back into her chair, disappointed.
“Again, do not despair.” As she looked up, his eyes sparkled with bright energy. He smiled, and allowed the ring to drop, the chain dangling from his finger. “You did not cause any of this to happen, because it has been in the works for many years. However, you will help to reverse all of the wrongdoings that have taken place.”
“But how? I don’t understand.” Then she imagined herself back at Nyvas’s side last night. Somehow, she had saved him when no one else could. “Maybe I do.”
“Aye, my child. It’s a journey, and you’re well on your way. Give it time. You barely know the person you’ll become.”
That was a strange thing to say. “Won’t you at least take the ring?”
“Nay, you must take it yourself to Altopon. No matter what else happens, if you do that, you will not have failed your friends.”
“Altopon might as well be a million miles away,” she sighed. “I could try to escape, but with all of the Senvosra around, it wouldn’t be easy, and I honestly don’t want to leave as long as Arric is still here.”
“Patience, my child. It may well be the gods have a plan, and we simply haven’t witnessed its outcome yet.” He reached to a cabinet, and retrieved a small wooden container. “Take this, for your bruises.” He handed it to her, and then dusted his hands on his trousers.
“Now, my child, you need to return to the Aldrish’s quarters, before he wonders where you’ve wandered off. Lillia will be waiting for you at the top of the stairs.” He caught hold her of her wrist. “And please, do not share any of what we discussed with anyone. Our secret?”
She nodded, and headed back to Lillia.
Chapter 44
“What is this?” Rynar asked, as he picked up the wooden container on the table and examined it closely in front of the window. He had awakened after she had returned, and walked in as she was finishing breakfast.
“Torv, the apothecary, gave it to me.”
He coughed abruptly, and set the jar back on the table. “Torv? You spoke to him?”
“Yeah. Lillia thought he could help me with my bruises.” Delicately she rubbed at her swollen face. “It’s a salve.”
“Indeed?” He removed the lid and made a face, as if it smelled bad. “Interesting.” He waved her over. “There’s no need for the salve. Let me take care of your injuries for you.”
“You must still be worn out from yesterday. You’ve barely even slept.”
“It’s midday, I’ve slept enough. Any more and it would raise suspicion.”
“But surely you don’t want to do another healing...”
He stared at her. “Better I heal your face than you walk around the keep like you’ve been brawling in the stables. Come now, it will just take a moment.”
She waved him away. “So what happens now?”
He was standing over her. “Hmm? Hold still,” he admonished her as he held her head between his hands. “Let me do this first.”
She squirmed under his touch. “Really, I’m okay. I don’t need...” Even as the words left her mouth she felt calmer, and she sank into the cushions of the chair. She didn’t want to trust him, but even as his fingers brushed against her cheek, her anxiety melted away under his touch. It was as if he wasn’t healing her at all, but forcing her into a deep relaxation, and rather than fight him, she allowed herself to sink into it. Freed of all immediate concerns and fears, she almost felt like she was floating.
As she sat there in silence, as Rynar continued to work on healing her, she began to hallucinate, to dream, to wander into another place.
First she was swimming in a sea of silver water, the sun warm on her face as she floated and dove down under the shiny waves.
The feeling of being in the ocean faded, and now she imagined herself laying in the sun on a blanket, feeling the cool breezes tangling her hair and tickling her feet. It was another memory of her mother, a trip back to the picnic they had, and she recalled her mother’s voice as she softly sang pop songs they heard on the radio. Cat Stevens, Simon and Garfunkel, America... it was one of her favorite memories, that quintessential moment where she felt safe and loved and knew nothing could ever happen to her to change any of that.
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br /> Then the memory dissipated, as all daydreaming does, and she allowed her thoughts to bob along the river of her imagination, shifting without warning back to Sarducia. Once again she found herself at Altopon, walking among the gardens, but this time she wasn’t alone. Arric was with her, holding her hand as they wandered along a path lined with small blue flowers. He was safe, and beyond the reach of his brother.
Kate couldn’t help rejoicing at the sight, at the idea he was free, and at that moment she abruptly stepped back into the present, out of her peaceful reverie, only to stare in the face of the Aldrish, who had dropped his hand broken contact.
“My dear, what is it?”
She scrambled out of the chair and onto her feet. “I don’t want to stay here any longer. Can I go back to my room?”
***
Rynar had acquiesced and permitted her to return to her old quarters, and as she had noticed before, her house arrest seemed to be over. She was no longer guarded at the door, and Lillia told her that she was once again allowed to go wherever she wished, provided she stayed within the keep itself and didn’t try going into the city.
Oddly, as a few days passed, the Aldrish was nowhere to be seen. He didn’t visit her, he was absent from meals in the great hall, and when, finally out of curiosity she asked Lillia what was happening, it appeared there had been no sign of him within the keep for days. “Isn’t that unusual?” Kate asked.
“My lady, the Aldrish is an odd man, and does many things that defy explanation.” Lillia had been making Kate’s bed, as usual with Kate’s assistance, and now plumped the pillow. “Around here, we don’t question it.”
“But isn’t the Vosira upset that he’s not around?”
“Didn’t you want to get away from him?” Lillia asked, in a playful challenge. “Seems like you should be happy he’s not here.”
“Well, that’s true enough. I find it strange that after everything that happened, he’s just vanished.”
“I’d accept it as a blessing. You’ve been increasingly annoyed by his attention, so be glad it’s over, at least for the time being.” She opened the wardrobe and pulled out a new gown, again blue, but this time a deeper shade, much like the livery and banners. Sarducian blue. “Shall we see if this new dress fits, my lady? You should look nice for your meeting with the Council.”